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Kaiyō

Kaiyo The Unicorn 46%

Kaiyō Whisky is a distinctive Japanese whisky house known for its rare use of Mizunara oak and its pioneering sea-maturation technique. Under the guidance of Master Blender Jeffrey Karlovitch, a Keeper of the Quaich and one of the whisky world’s most refined palates, Kaiyō crafts small batches of whisky aged in handmade Mizunara casks, some of the most precious and difficult-to-work-with barrels in the world. Once matured on land, the casks embark on a voyage at sea, where the dynamic conditions of movement, temperature fluctuations, and air pressure variations coax even greater complexity from the oak. The result is a whisky unlike any other, rich, layered, and deeply expressive of both wood and wave.

Kaiyō “The Unicorn” is the pinnacle of this philosophy: a limited, ultra-premium expression bottled at 46% ABV, matured exclusively in rare first-fill Mizunara oak casks, and presented without chill filtration. It’s named for its mythical rarity and singular quality, representing the most elusive and expressive barrels in Kaiyō’s cellar.

In the glass, it shimmers a rich golden amber, revealing an aromatic bouquet that is both captivating and refined. Expect layers of orange peel, sweet incense, coconut husk, and toasted almond, interwoven with subtle hints of lavender, tea leaf, sandalwood, exotic spices and signature notes of well-aged Mizunara oak. On the palate, it is silky and weightless, yet profoundly flavourful. Notes of honeyed malt, dried apricot, vanilla custard, and roasted chestnut are lifted by floral spice, soft smoke, and a lingering whisper of sea air.

The finish is long, harmonious, and haunting, with a creamy, spice-laced fade that calls you back for another sip. Kaiyō The Unicorn is not just a whisky, it’s an experience. A benchmark of Japanese artistry and rarity, ideal for collectors, connoisseurs, and those seeking something truly one-of-a-kind.

Notable Awards

Whisky Advocate awarded it 91 points

£13500

In stock

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GTIN N/A Categories: , , , Product ID: 21786

Description

Kaiyō Whisky is an extraordinary Japanese whisky brand that bridges ancient tradition, rare craftsmanship, and bold innovation. Guided by the expertise of Master Blender Jeffrey Karlovitch, one of the world’s most respected authorities on whisky and a Keeper of the Quaich, Kaiyō is renowned for producing whiskies of exceptional depth, character, and complexity.

Rather than distilling its own spirit, Kaiyō sources carefully selected casks of raw whisky from some of Japan’s most revered producers. From there, Karlovitch hand-selects barrels for maturation in ultra-rare Mizunara oak casks, widely considered the most prized and demanding oak in the world of whisky. Indigenous to Japan, Mizunara trees must grow for over 200 years before they can be harvested. Their porous, knotty grain is notoriously difficult to work with, but the effort pays off in the form of extraordinary aromatic complexity, offering notes of coconut, sandalwood, orange blossom, dried fruits, honey, and incense.

What truly sets Kaiyō apart is its sea maturation process. After years of ageing on land, the whisky is sent on a journey across the oceans from Osaka, spending up to three months at sea. During this voyage, the spirit is exposed to constant motion, shifts in temperature, and changes in atmospheric pressure, conditions that accelerate ageing and enhance extraction from the Mizunara oak. The result is a whisky that is not only rich and layered but also remarkably smooth and expressive, with a creamy mouthfeel and a luxurious, lingering finish.

Kaiyō Whisky is a testament to both Japanese dedication to detail and a spirit of global exploration. Each bottle tells a story of craftsmanship, tradition, and discovery, making Kaiyō a true standout in the world of premium Japanese whisky.

Additional information

Country

Producer

Alcohol by Volume

46%

Size

70cl

Types

,

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